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Money · 5 min

How much life cover do I actually need?

Not ten times your salary. A number built from the specific obligations that would outlive you.

New to insurance? Start here: What insurance actually is.

The industry rule of thumb, ten times annual income, is a sales shortcut. It can be wildly too much for a single person with no dependants and far too little for a parent with a mortgage and two young children.

Build it from obligations

Add up four things. One: debts that would remain, including the mortgage and any family loans. Two: the years of household income your family would need to stay in the same home and school, usually until the youngest child finishes education. Three: education costs in future rupiah, which inflate faster than everything else. Four: a funeral and settlement buffer.

Then subtract what already exists: current savings, investments, existing cover, and any employer death benefit.

The result is usually uncomfortable, and cheaper than expected

Families are often shocked at the sum needed and then relieved at what pure term cover costs to provide it. The discomfort comes from the number; the relief comes from realising protection and investment are two separate purchases that do not have to be made in the same product.

Review it when life changes, not annually

A new child, a new mortgage, a new business partner, a move abroad. Those are the moments the number moves. Between them, leave it alone.

Try the calculator

Put a number on the whole picture

Income your family depends on, loans, education and existing cover, in one honest estimate.

Open the calculator →

Have a question about this?

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